'Celebrity Mole' confirmed -- 'Mole 3' probable

Variety reports today that ABC and Stone Stanley Productions have agreed to produce a six-episode "Celebrity Mole" edition to air in January or March of next year. This edition will officially be known as "Mole 3." There is also an agreement to begin pre-production on a nine-episode "Mole 4", using regular contestants, which will probably air next summer, although a final deal for its production is still being negotiated.

The celeb edition will be filmed in a week or 10 days, with participants playing for charity. The rules of the game will be rejiggered to ensure all celebs get a chance to earn coin for their causes. Casting for both editions will begin any day now; offers are already out to several celebs.

Still undetermined is whether host Anderson Cooper will be back. Cooper is currently anchoring for CNN.